Carol A. Parker-Little, 83, of Avon, Illinois, passed away at 10:20 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her family. She was born December 24, 1941 in Avon, Illinois, the daughter of James M. and Freida (McElrea) Steach. She was raised and educated in Avon.
Carol married Sargeant Thomas Parker and together they had 3 children who they raised in the London Mills area and they later divorced. She married Dale Little in 1995 and he survives.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dale; daughters, Lori (Jack) Braten of St. Augustine, Stacie J. (Clint) Courson of Abingdon; son, James Parker of Oquawka; stepdaughters, Laura Little, Nancy Little; grandchildren, Amanda (Justin) Powell, Travis (Ashley) Bricker, Thomas Clay Bricker, Kolton (Liz Verville) Johnson, Cabe Courson, Caleb (Hillary) Parker, Mason (Jacqueline Munter) Parker; 6 great-grandchildren and one sister, Dixie Ray.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Gene and Danny Steach.
Carol worked at Maytag and at State Representative Gale Schisler’s office for many years. She owned the Avon Town Tavern and bartended for years where she knew all the town gossip. She was the apartment manager at the Avon apartments. She cared for her grandchildren full- time and later worked at Avon Nursing Home and she loved these roles very much.
She was so beautiful, even in her final days. You never saw her without her hair, makeup, and nails done. She loved shopping trips with her daughters and granddaughter and couldn’t wait to match her purse with her shoes for the day. She specialized in sleepovers with root beer floats. She was a wonderful grandmother and even got matching tattoos with one of her grandsons. She was the “cool grandma” that everyone wanted to have around. She was a dog lover and welcomed anyone with a dog to bring them for a visit. She and Dale had a beloved dog Chloe.
She was cared for in her final days by her loving husband Dale, her sister Dixie Ray, and long-term friend Theresa Bodenhammer.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025 in the Babbitt Cemetery, St. Augustine. A celebration of Carol’s life will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Abingdon American Legion following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society and left in the care of the funeral home. Moore Memorial Home, Avon, is handling the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.moorememorial.com.
